Purity Ngirici aligns with DCP after ditching UDA

Former Kenya Seeds CEO Purity Ngirici has switched her allegiance from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), indicating a possible clash within the party before the 2027 general election. In a statement on her social media, Ngirici, who is set to run for Kirinyaga Governor, declared her support for the DCP, stating, "The chama is DCP."

Ngirici's shift to the DCP follows her departure from the UDA after parting ways with the government over differences. This move led to her removal from the Kenya Seed board. Prior to officially joining the DCP, Ngirici had been endorsing Rigathi Gachagua and his political movement, expressing her belief that both DCP and Jubilee Party were the only viable options for the Mt Kenya region.

The DCP's establishment of its political structures ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Kirinyaga County, where Ngirici is seeking the gubernatorial seat, has been marked by the party's attempts to solidify its local support. Ngirici's entry into the DCP comes at this critical juncture.

Ngirici's decision closely follows Gachagua's announcement of his preferred political lineup for Kirinyaga County, where he nominated Senator Kamau Murango for the gubernatorial race, while backing Anne Njeri for the seat after 2027, and identified MCA James Mathenge as his preferred candidate for the senatorial position. Ngirici, who positions herself as a leading contender to succeed Governor Anne Waiguru, may now face Murango in the DCP nominations should both maintain their gubernatorial aspirations.

Gachagua has emphasized that DCP nominations will be free and fair, indicating a potential for a competitive contest in Kirinyaga. Ngirici has also ruled out running as an independent candidate in the 2022 elections, citing the draining nature of that route. She stated that the independent campaign drained her and found it difficult to mount a serious gubernatorial campaign without a political party's backing. Therefore, Ngirici has decided to seek the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat under a political party in 2027.

Ngirici's journey with the DCP is not without historical context; she had previously campaigned for President Ruto and assisted him in reaching out to the Mt Kenya region during the 2022 General Election. However, her relationship with Ruto changed when Waiguru's inclusion in the UDA prompted her to be sidelined for the position, and Ruto ultimately endorsed Waiguru's candidacy for Kirinyaga.

This led Ngirici to leave the UDA and later rejoin it post-2022 elections. Now, she has formally joined the DCP, potentially setting the stage for a fierce competition with Murango within the party for Kirinyaga's gubernatorial seat.